Well, he got rid of himself anyway. Buntong assemblyman A.Sivasubramaniam has quit DAP, thus leaving the DAP-PKR-PAS coalition government in Perak with 30 seats in the State. In a letter to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng dated March 31, Sivasubramaniam said he had lost confidence in the Perak DAP as it failed to fulfill its promise to appoint two Indian state executive council members. He added the decision was a "big slap" in the face of Perak Indians and tantamount to deceiving the community. "My victory in Buntong was a mandate given by the Indian community in the area, and therefore I cannot accept the decision made by the Perak DAP," he added.

This racist of a politician thinks that all his votes came from the Indian community and thus, he is only answerable to the Indian community. He feels that he needs to champion the Indian cause. Let me just remind him of what he had said prior to the elections:-

Sivasubramaniam, however, is quick to point out areas where Buntong could see better improvement. Among them are the long-time squatter woes, the aging lifts of the city council’s Sungai Pari flats and the state of the Buntong market. (source)

He obviously did not mention in his election promise that he will only seek improvements for the Indians. Did he not realise that Buntong only has 46.2% voters of the Indian race? He failed to comprehend that he was also voted in by Malaysians of other races. He omitted to realise that he has now given a "bigger slap" to those who voted for him and DAP (and to a greater extent, the DAP-PKR-PAS cooperation) by now unilaterally resigning from his post and responsibility by using a flimsy excuse that DAP Perak has failed to fulfil its promise of appointing 2 Indian state executive council members.

Was he so presumptious to think that prior to the elections, DAP (and its allies) would secure so many seats as to win the State by a simple majority? Not only that, did DAP Perak gaze into the crystal ball as to predict that DAP would win handsomely and have more than 1 Indian state assemblymen elected and thus, provided a simple majority is secured, there would be 2 Indian state executive council members appointed?

Don't try to deceive the public into your kind of reasoning for your resignation. You have lost your credibility with that statement of yours. People have started calling you all kinds of names. I say good riddance to you from the DAP-PKR-PAS coalition. You do not deserve a place or a leadership role with your racist slant. You do not realise from the sentiments shown in the General Elections that the future of Malaysian politics lie in a Malaysian Malaysia with justice, fairness and equality to all. Go ahead and be a champion for the Indian community. You have already lost future votes and support from Malaysians who have moved on from race-based politics.

Bernama reported early this morning that the 23 Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen in Terengganu who are against Kijal assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Said being appointed the state's Menteri Besar may resign if the latter is sworn-in to the post. According to Terengganu Umno liasion secretary Datuk Rosol Wahid in a press conference here Sunday night, said this might happen as his appointment did not get their support.

Based on the various statements issued by UMNO, it appears that no one is backing Datuk Ahmad Said as the new Menteri Besar, they preferring former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh instead. Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh was the appointee by the Prime Minister of Malaysia but the Terengganu Royalty felt that Datuk Ahmad Said is more suitable and preferred to exercise their discretion instead.

Since UMNO Terengganu - specifically the 23 BN assemblymen, feels that they (the 23 assemblymen) represent the wishes of the people of Terengganu (since they won the majority of state seats) and that the Royalty is wrong in picking someone whom the people does not want to be their new MB, then they should walk the talk. Resign immediately and hold by-elections. Let the people's voices be heard again.

If the by-election shows that the people are willing to vote the 23 state assemblymen again, this means that the people of Terengganu are sending a strong message and plea to the Royalty that they want BN (UMNO, to be specific) to continue to govern the State and they want Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh to be their Menteri Besar. I am very sure the Royalty will, when this happens, take cognisance of the people's wishes and give the royal blessings to Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh to head the state government.

These 23 UMNO State Assemblymen should do the honourable thing to resign and allow a by-election process to take place and let the people's choice be known through it. Let the people decide whether they want to retain Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh as their Menteri Besar or somebody else. Will they now be willing to sacrifice self over personal interest? Or are they plainly trying to arm twist the Terengganu royalty?

Yesterday, the Prime Minister of Malaysia announced his new Cabinet Ministers at around noon. Datuk Anifah Aman (younger brother of CM of Sabah, Datuk Seri Musa Aman) was named as the Deputy Minister for Transport - his third term as a Deputy Minister. Last night, he declined the appointment in an apparent slap at the Prime Minister of Malaysia. It was also reported that the Sabah BN is unhappy that Pak Lah has failed to recognise their hefty contributions towards the number of seats secured to form the Federal Government by simple majority. There were high expectations that more Ministers would be appointed from their midst but alas, Pak Lah did not find them qualified enough for the Ministerial posts. Perhaps they should cross over and join the DAP-PKR-PAS coalition and form the new Federal Government. I am sure they would be more appreciated. Afterall, the Sabahans (and Sarawakians) have been neglected for long especially the Bumiputeras.

Meanwhile, Datuk Radzi Sheikh Ahmad who was not re-appointed a Cabinet Minister has tendered his resignation as the UMNO and BN Secretary General and speculation is rife that Rafidah would be stepping down from her Ketua Wanita UMNO post today as she was also not re-appointed into the Cabinet. Whereas Sharizat (Wanita UMNO No. 2) also lost in the Elections, she was given a special advisory role to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. Here, Rafidah was given nothing. Would this mean there's gonna be a jostle for the No. 1 seat? Azalina vs Sharizat?

Over at the coalition partners' end, MIC's Samy (I don't wanna quit) Vellu has hit out at Gerakan National Vice-President Datuk Chang Ko Youn for suggesting that BN component parties consider amending their constitutions to accept members from all races in line with the voting trend shifting away from racial politics. According to Sam the Evergreen, such a move would dilute the rights of the Indian community - which MIC has been FIGHTING FOR all along. Big Sam still thinks that communal parties are still relevant, never mind the big whacking BN got during the recent elections.

A Barisan Nasional revolt starting? You bet. The show has begun.

Important : Whatever happens, this is part of politics. As level-headed Malaysians, resist all forms of distribution or forwarding of smses or emails about panic, clashes or riots (if at all you receive them). Let the leaders sort out their politicking business but let us not be so caught up as to irresponsibly send or forward messages which would disturb the peace. If the leaders are so childish as to throw tantrums or make racist slurs or ridicule voters for not voting them in, so be it. Just don't fall into their trap of disturbing the peace. UNLESS you witness or heard something yourself, don't spread unconfirmed messages. Boleh?

Update (1.45pm) : Indeed, the show has begun. Datuk Seri Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs has snubbed his appointment and did not attend the swearing in of the Cabinet Ministers today. He claimed that due to his long service, he ought to have been made a Minister. Now we have 2 vacancies. Anyone interested?

(2.00pm) : Whilst the BN reels in turmoil, the DAP-PKR-PAS partnership gains momentum by unanimously appointing Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail of PKR as the Opposition Leader until Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim takes over, provided he wins in a by-election as early as April, of course. Jeff Ooi, MP of Jelutong, has asked us to get ready for exciting happenings after April 15. I wonder what does Jeff know which he does not want us to know now?

(3.50pm) : Well, Rafidah wanna stay put contrary to speculation that she would honorably step down. Perhaps she wants to reinvent and re-energise Wanita UMNO and Wanita BN just like what Samy and Ong Ka Ting are doing.

(4.20pm) : Surprise! Surprise! Tengku Adnan is the new UMNO Secretary General. Was it Pak Lah's tactic to get rid of Radzi (by not offering him a Cabinet Minister post) and then have Tengku Adnan in waiting? It would be more exciting to see what the Royal Commission on the Lingam-gate have to say regarding Tengku Adnan's role (if any) in the fixing and brokering of appointment of judges. If the Royal Commission finds any foul play on the part of Tengku Adnan, chances are we will be having a new UMNO Secretary General probably before the end of the year!

(10.50pm) : Final update before I go to sleep. Ku Li has indicated his willingness to contest for UMNO Presidency provided he gets enough votes within UMNO to do so. In probably one of the biggest slap to Pak Lah, Ku Li was quoted to have said "Siapa yang bertanggungjawab tidak boleh terus tidur," literally translated to "Whoever is responsible cannot continue sleeping". Will he get enough votes? I know Mukhriz would :)

And guess what? Obviously feeling the heat, Khir Toyo has relinquished his post as the ketua badan perhubungan Umno dan BN negeri (whatever that means). He feels obliged to do so because he felt that he needed to be responsible for the huge losses to BN in the elections. Well, it's only a position. The heat will probably grow to a furnace once the new state government examine the past performance and conduct of the government led by Khir Toyo.

And Anwar is confident of forming a new Federal Government! He better be sure or he will end up being the butt of jokes if the cross-over does not materialise. If he does, it will be a remarkable turnaround for the ex-DPM of Malaysia who was sacked by Tun Mahathir. If he fails to get these MPs to cross over, then his credibility would be dented.

Some have commended the PM for reducing the number of ministers from 36 to the present number. Likewise, the Deputy Ministers. Some have welcomed the recognition and promotion of some good guys like Datuk Shahrir Samad, Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili, Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim and Datuk K. Devamany as they feel that these guys deserve their posts for speaking out for the truth and downtrodden. Why then do I say that this line up could spell the end of the good guys?

Now, isn't it quite obvious that when you are part of the Cabinet, you are supposed to be a "yes man" to the PM or DPM? Or rather, chances are you will not say anything against the Government's policies or governance. In all likelihood, you will not voice out in public or Parliament anything which goes against the Government regardless of how important those issues are. It would be different if you were still a BackBencher or even as an MP. These "good guys" (save for Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili who was already a Minister in the PM's department prior to this) were BackBenchers prior to their recent promotions.

Even for Datuk Dr. Max, when he spoke out about his personal views that Malaysia is not an Islamic State, it was more in a hushed arena than in Parliament. During that tenure of his, he was the Minister for National Unity and Integration and he spoke out as a consequence. He had to make a statement for the sake of national unity. Now, he is made Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. I don't have any comments on his qualifications but I do note that prior to his federal appointment, he was the Science and Technology Adviser to the Chief Minister of Sabah. Yet, I think he may now have to take a back seat and probably not voice out on the same issue (if it arises again). I may be jumping the gun but I am not that optimistic when it comes to facing the fact that in Malaysia, Ministers and MPs to a certain extent, toe the line and listen to the Party Whip.

The question is would these good guys (or MPs with conscience) speak up as before? Are their promotions one way of appeasing the public but at the same time, shutting them up indirectly? Tell will tell.

Well...we all know how ugly Barisan Nasional leaders are (1. not how handsome or pretty but how crude they can be 2. but if you are a BN supporter, I can't blame you for not knowing) in the days leading to the 12th General Elections. Campaigning on racial sentiments were in full force and character assassination (Anwar) was common. We were all asked to believe that BN is THE (coalition) party which can continue and will bring about security, peace and prosperity. Security, Peace and Prosperity was their manifesto for the 2008 General Elections.

Let us all be reminded that the Federal Government for the day is Barisan Nasional. For all their losses, they are still the coalition party which has been voted in to govern this country. Make no mistakes about it. And with that, we expect them to pay heed to their promises for Security, Peace and Prosperity. Yet, after a little over a week, it would appear that those promises have been forgotten with impunity and their ugly faces turn uglier as they could not stomach the defeat of many of their comrades in the state assemblies of Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kedah.

Security? This is too early for me to comment and I shall reserve this for another day. Suffice to say, I must say that the police has done an okay job in ensuring that the General Elections were conducted in a rather smooth manner save for a few hiccups here and there. On the issue of how they handled the street protestors from UMNO Penang and some other places - that's a different thing altogether. We all know how lenient and nice they can be when UMNO guys create a fuss on the road compared to how high-handed tactics are used on other demonstrators like those from Bersih or Hindraf. However, one thing is for sure, it looks like the previous BN state governments have a problem keeping their official documents intact for proper handing over. A case of breach of security? How could you then account for all documents from the offices of the Mentri Besar and executive councillors in Kedah going missing?

Peace? There were a tirade of condemnations one after the other from BN leaders (including Badawi) when the ordinary rakyat choose to make their voices heard through the Bersih and Hindraf rallies and even the Human Rights Walk organised by the Human Rights Committee of the Bar Council was branded as illegal. One of the reasons given was that such protests or demonstrations or walks are disruptive of the peace and well-being of the country. Several businessmen readily gave an interview to the local newspapers lamenting how they have lost thousands or millions of ringgit due to loss of business. But hey, when UMNO Penang gathered about 1000 people to protest in Penang and thus causing traffic jams and loss of business, there was an elegant silence from those who used to condemn such expressions of feelings. My recent memory only tells me that Koh Tsu Koon is the only one from BN who openly rebuked such protestors. He is the only one who remembered that it was the BN government who has maintained zero tolerance for this type of marches and that BN needs to be consistent with its ways. Of course, what Koh says will go to deaf ears as more UMNO led marches abound. In an apparent snub to the Perak royalty, they have handed a memorandum calling for a BN government in Perak instead. “We are only here to give the memorandums to the Sultan of Perak, not to stage a protest,” said Dr Dzulkarnain, who is also Perak Umno Veteran vice chairman. Well, the daughters of the Hindraf detainess only wanted to go to Parliament House to deliver flowers, not stage a protest. But that was denied. Bersih only wanted to give a memorandum / petition to Istana Negara, not a protest. That was also denied.

Prosperity? Well, bid adieu to that as some of the BN leaders have come out to say that states which fell to Opposition parties ought to have the previous promised projects recalled. Scrap mega projects says Azhar Ibrahim. This sore loser from UMNO Penang who will be the Opposition Leader in Penang says that in view of the people’s clear rejection of Barisan Nasional in the state, the Federal Government should scrap them. If that is the case, may I suggest that he and the rest of the UMNO state assemblymen in Penang relinquish their posts. They fail to realise that they were voted in by voters in their constituencies and they owe them their vote for what they have promised them. And they promised them mega projects. How can they turn around within a week and renegade on what they have promised their voters?

So, folks - as much as BN can say that the PKR-DAP-PAS alliance seems to have trouble adjusting with each other to govern the newly captured states of Penang, Kedah, Perak and Selangor, we can also safely say that what BN has promised in their manifesto will be nothing but mere sales pitch. The lame leadership of Badawi in times of these clearly shows that he has far greater problems on his head than what it is perceived to be. Instead of being a gentlemen and leader, he has failed to direct his followers and fellow leaders to move on and work for the people. His silence in the face of disruptive actions caused by these sore losers is telling. Of course, the general public is wise to all these calls for Hidup Melayu and NEP what-nots. The results of the General Elections show that people have woken up to BN's racist brand of politics. As much as BN tries to push the attention of the media to the difficulties of the PKR-PAS-DAP coalition governments in working together, the public is as interested in seeing the fate of UMNO, MCA and MIC in how they re-engineer themselves in the wake of the election slap. For now, the ugly side gets uglier.

Malaysian politics has just got wind of its latest shocker - Shahidan Kassim, who yesterday confidently told the press that he would be re-appointed as the Perlis menteri besar, has been sabu-ed. Instead, Bintong state assemblyperson Mat Isa Sabu will replace him as the new Perlis Menteri Besar. Umno secretary-general Radzi Sheikh Ahmad's pre-election campaign to oust Shahidan seems to have worked notwithstanding the furore shown by Shahidan's grassroot supporters.

So, what will come next? Will Shahidan and supporters cross over to PAS or PKR? It is embarassing indeed to have announced that he will be re-appointed only to find out the next day that somebody else has been appointed. It will take someone with a really thick face to face this blooper.

Of course, whilst Pak Lah deals and monitors what's happening at the northernmost state of Malaysia, he's got a bigger problem at hand. Now there seems to be a mutiny of some sorts in UMNO asking him to resign. Mukhriz is the most vocal of the lot and has shown certain glimpses of his father's style. The pressure seems to be surmounting on him. I wonder if the protest at Komtar was sent out as a distraction by UMNO members? They have the right to protest - it's their fundamental right. But I wonder why the 1000 or so UMNO members and supporters are crying out for something which has not even started? "Don't sideline the Malays". Who is? I am a Chinese and if the DAP-led State Government sidelines deserving Malays, I will be the first to vote against them. What proof is there that the Malays have been sidelined by the new state government? How have they been sidelined? Have they been discriminated? Have they suddenly lost something which they used to have but has now been taken away? Prove it.

Some members of the public are probably alarmed by the latest happenings. I am not. It is part of the growing pains for Malaysia as it comes to terms with changes in the political landscape. The heart-warming thing which I have noticed, especially from the responses shown in the internet, is an increasing readiness to embrace meritocracy, justice and equality as opposed to discriminate policies which were not implemented for the full benefit of those in need. Not only that, I have also seen more and more people being interested in the political change in our country - from the older folks to the youths. This bodes well for the nation. I am excited. Aren't you?

(Update) : Whereas these people have taken to the streets, some 22 Muslim NGO's sought clarification from Penang's CM on NEP and came away happy. The former probably thought that the new Penang State Government is the arrogant and not the approachable type (just like BN) and saw the need to protest ala Hindraf - though they denounced street protests pre-election as something not in Malaysian culture. The Muslim NGOs were smarter this time.

What a week it has been! The topsy-turvy drama-laden make up of the new Perak State Government Coalition seems to have found peace with a 6:3:1 formula in the DAP:PKR:PAS ratio - thanks to early news from Malaysiakini. Apparently the parties' leaders had a late meeting yesterday to resolve their differences and came up with a solution to their deadlock. I am sure the people of Perak would be most pleased to hear that the parties have amicably settled this and are ready to move on governing the state according to their pre-election promises (with BN ready to pounce on any of their mistakes no doubt).

I think there are a couple of lessons which could be learnt here. Politics is all about power - no matter how the politicians try to deny it. Only one who is not after power would not be bothered about positions. One who has a serving heart would go about serving the people without any thoughts of securing a position here or there. Again, some of those nominated to the State EXCO positions may very well be servants, and not greedy about power. Hence, it could be deduced that it is the leaders themselves who want to place people whom they can work with in the State EXCO. Again, power play comes to the picture but I guess, which leader would not do that. However, the right thing that should be done is to settle their differences behind doors and not throw tantrums like boycotting this or pulling out from that. Maturity is needed especially where the issuance of statements are concerned especially during these times when every movement of theirs are being watched by the nation. They must remember again and again that the expectations placed upon them now is probably greater than that on BN.

So, does it mean then that these leaders decide behind closed doors but do not subsequently make an effort to explain the rationale of the decisions made? No. I think that it is important for them to issue statements (preferably joint statements) on why these decisions were made (eg. why is the ration at 6:3:1) and following from that, to reassure the public again that the rights and needs of the people would not be shortchanged through these decisions. True, they may be lambasted by their supporters for not fighting more for their rights (still remember the BN concept of fighting for each race's rights?) but in the long run, this may be beneficial towards a more open government and allows feedback and criticisms. All of this would likely help the move forward towards creating a more matured and politically-aware citizens of the nation.

Lim Kit Siang's blog is experiencing heavy traffic and I couldn't put in my 2 cents to his latest piece of news that the DAP Perak Assemblymen will be staying away from the swearing-in ceremony for Perak Mentri Besar scheduled tomorrow. This is my piece of mind and I hope he reads this.

LKS,

This is probably your worst ever political move and could probably spell the end of DAP as far as Malaysian rakyat is concerned. After the rakyat has worked in solidarity to vote for Barisan Rakyat (PKR-PAS-DAP), your decision (or state CEC whatever)'s to boycott or express displeasure over the Regent's choice of MB is of pure bad taste after your representative, Ngeh Hoo Kam has said in the press that the coalition will respect whoever the Regent chooses as the MB.

So what if the MB is a PAS rep? Unless you have the figures or stats or info to show that he is utterly incompetent for the job, then just accept it and show a little respect to the Regent and Sultan of Perak. I am a chinese who voted for PAS because I truly believed in a new beginning for Malaysia which you are so proud to claim. And now, you are shattering the goodwill that has been fostered.

If PAS tries to be funny, I know where I will vote come next election. If it is true that at the end of the day there is no future for me and my children in this country, then I will make plans to migrate if that be the best. I had truly believed that there is hope indeed for Malaysians when the election results were out and now, you come up with this statement.

What's wrong with you guys? Truly, I am deeply disappointed to put it mildly. You must accept the responsibility for whatever repercussions your blog posting has made. Did you guys actually think about the repercussions before you decide to act this way? You didn't even give this new MB a chance to prove himself! Even if the state DAP reps make an about turn and attend the swearing in, you have already damaged much goodwill that has been cultivated. Period!

Update : He has openly apologised and confirmed that the state reps will be attending the swearing-in ceremony. I do hope he takes it another step further by requesting an audience with the Regent and Sultan of Perak to personally apologise to them for the outburst - and also do the same with the new MB and with PAS. This will help the healing process. The damage has been done but the healing can be hastened with personal gestures.

Are you human? Save for the search engines which send their bots to track new contents on websites including this blog, chances are you are human. And if you are human, you were once born helplessly needing an adult (or two) to meet your needs. Be it feeding or cleaning up after you have done your biological job. In time to come, you will also pass on and leave this place call earth. Depending on your beliefs, you might be in heaven or reincarnated or gone poof into oblivion with just a name and deed for remembrance. Whichever way, it will be ashes to ashes, dust to dust. We all come the same way and will go the same way.

Yet, why are we so obsessed this couple of days post-election on who should be the MB or Deputy MB of this or that state? Or to put it more accurately, why are we so bloody (pardon my language but I am really pissed about this) about whether the MB should be a Malay, Chinese or Indian (I have not heard of anyone talking about any other race in the running) or whether the MB should be a Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu or whatever belief he subscribes to? Apart from the obvious fact that the state constitution or law prescribes the "qualification" of a Menteri Besar (which is essentially a Malay Muslim save and except for Penang, Melaka, Sabah and Sarawak), why are we harping about who should rightfully be named as the new Menteri Besar (and Deputies included) for Perak and Selangor? Why are we going back to harping on whether this and that race should have this number or that number of representatives in the EXCO?

Tell me, did you vote for an Opposition leader who is not of your race or has a different religious belief than yours? Then why are you now being a hypocrite by demanding that the MB or his Deputy or Exco must be from this and that race or religious belief? Is that more important to you or is the credibility, talent and character of that person more important in the all-important job of leading this country and state of yours? Are you so blinded by race and religion that you have forgotten the very reason why you voted out BN recently? You hated the racist policies expounded by BN politics. You hated the corrupt, hypocrites and fanatics in the BN leadership. And now you are demanding the very thing you hate to resurface in the choosing of a suitable group of leaders to lead the states? You hypocrites!

The only way forward for this nation towards unity is to embrace all as fellow citizens of Malaysia without ascribing any prejudice or suspicion towards the race or religion of the other. For as long as we hold on to the notion that the other race or religion is trying to eat us alive and fail to see the inner attributes and character of a person, we are but hypocrites ourselves. Do remember that the power is again in your hand to make a difference in the next General Election just as how you have exercised your power this round. Let the Sultan make his decision and let us respect His decision. Then, give time for the new state government to perform. If they don't and your fears became true, exercise your rights to vote them out the next round. If BN can be ousted in 5 states, why can't the opposition government be ousted the next round?

Be responsible in your forwarding of malicious sounding smses which make create misunderstanding - especially those which highlight certain race or religion of the candidate for MB or Deputy or EXCOs. Think before you hit that forward button. Don't destroy what you have clamoured for so long when the great revival in this nation has only begun.

The GE is over and the dust has not yet fully settled in some states where the opposition has taken over the state government. According to Malaysiakini, Lim Guan Eng has just been sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Penang. It is definitely a defining moment for Penang. Yesterday, Kedah also had its new Chief Minister, a representative from PAS.

Naturally, expectations are high and I believe the euphoria felt by the supporters of PAS, PKR and DAP has not died down. Everywhere I go, I still see and hear people excitedly sharing their joy over the results of the General Election wherein BN took a hefty beating. People are now talking about seeing changes happening and a brighter future for Malaysia. In fact, people are also talking about having a different coalition government the next GE comes around. Apparently, notwithstanding BN's heavy losses, the rakyat is baying for more blood and wants BN to be the opposition party comes next GE. The hatred for the BN leadership is so real that it is dumbfounding when the BN leadership are left wondering what freak storm or typhoon have they just encountered. Seperti katak dibawah tempurung ("Just like a frog under a coconut shell"), the BN leaders chose not to face reality but has instead become sore losers - Zam, Ong Ka Chuan and Ali Rustam included. Either they are truly ignorant or they have been living in the lofty isolation in their world of VVIP treatment that they have become disconnected with the ordinary rakyat's feelings of disenchantment and disillusion.

So, what's for the future? Many supporters of opposition parties have wasted no time congratulation their winning candidates but quite a majority of them have also at the same breath told these new opposition leaders whom they have voted into Parliament or the State Assembly to start delivering and producing results. Like what I have said earlier, expectations are high - almost unrealistic, to a certain extent. Each of us want them to do this and that. Get the roads paved, improve the road transportation system, reduce assessment rates, etc. In most requests (or demands, depending on how you look at it), they are selfish in nature. My needs, my neighbourhood's needs and the like.

My view is this. The opposition parties, especially those which have formed state governments, must make it their priority to clean up the administration - from the local council to the land office. It is an open secret that corruption is rife and unless the corrupted are exposed, removed and charged in a court of law, the very same people who have been depleting the nation's resources will continue to wreck havoc. The system must be throughly cleansed right from the top. Talented people must be appointed and recruited to administer the government and state regardless of race, religion, political affinity or family links. Real and effective change can only take place when the system is clean of corruption and talented people run the system. Anybody can get the job of repaving the roads or building a new highway to ease traffic congestion but if these people are as corrupted or incompetent as their predecessors, we are back to square one.

The ordinary people's first and foremost priority would be to ensure that a clean up takes place. The system must be revamped to one which is truly accountable and transparent. Existing contracts and proposed contracts must be reviewed to ascertain their economic viability. The nation must brave itself for the realities of a recession looming and unnecessary expenditure must be rejected or trimmed. A prudent manager of a company would trim costs and raise cash reserves to cope with bad times. Once this is done, the manager would be able to assess the priorities of spending. So, while all of us wish our newly elected leaders do something about that problem affecting us, let us give them a chance to see what is being spent, how it can be reduced and what surplus can be used to improve and upgrade the living conditions and lifestyle of the people.

There must be further pressure exerted on the Federal Government to repeal draconian laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 which called for licensing of mainstream newspapers, amongst other publications. We have all seen how biased the mainstream media was in the run up to elections. The people demand a fairer and accurate dissemination of information so that we can assess the leaders' performances.

We have all seen the role of internet media in creating awareness amongst the people in the run up to the elections. Likewise, I believe that the people would be spending more time on the net looking and searching for information on their leaders and what they have been up to. It is thus necessary, as a progressive nation and leadership, to have a proper website presence to enable a proper channel of communication between the leaders and the rakyat. By a proper website, I mean one which is professional set up - which can be done for less than RM400 with a domain name included. Dear leaders, please don't use the free platforms like Blogger, Blogsome or some other free sites. Be professional and mean business. Project a dynamic image and don't use templates which are oh so 1990s. We are now nearing 2010, mind you! Just take a look at Obama, Clinton and McCain's website to see how modern and interactive their sites are. Please don't harp about how we are becoming an IT nation or moving towards IT when you (the leaders) are not even IT savvy in reaching out to your people. And please ensure you have details on how we can provide feedback to you unlike somebody's son-in-law who removed the ability to leave comments on his new website probably because he cannot take the heat.

And people, if the road don't get paved, the drains don't get unclogged and the assessment rates don't get reduced, hold on your horses (especially towards the new state governments). Give them a bit more time. You gave BN 50 years, didn't you? So, don't be so unfair as to demand 50 years' of neglect be fully resolved in 5 years. If you are aware of any malpractices committed by the previous state governments or even the federal government, now is the time to expose all their dirty practices. Hand in the evidence to the new state government for action. It will be political mileage for them anyway. Let us all move towards a new era of being adverse to corruption. For your sake, my sake and our children's sake.

Today, my wife and I went to register our daughter for Primary 1. She (our daughter) is only 5 years old and will only step foot into Primary 1 in the year 2010. Registration for Primary 1 for the year 2010 began last Monday and is supposed to continue till end of this month, I think. We are told that we would get our reply sometime in July 2009 (16 months from now) on whether our daughter gets a place to attend this school whom we have applied for or will she be allocated a place in another school.

The question is : Why 16 Months????

At this age of information technology, it is mind boggling that our Jabatan Pendidikan (Education Department) needs 16 months to process the applications for places in Primary 1. What's the big difficulty in dealing with these couple of thousand applications? Well, yes, I do admit that they will probably have tens of thousands of application in KL alone but 16 months??? Sometime is just not quite right or something tells me that there is inefficiency or incompetency in the department.

In the meantime, parents are kept wondering whether their preferred choice of school for their child is granted. And if not, they will be left with a decision in July (give and take June till August) in which time, they will have little time left to make the necessary appeal/s if they suddenly find their child being granted a place to study in another school.

Perhaps Tony Pua, newly elected MP for PJ Utara might have the answers to this 16 month old question.... I hope he raises this issue in Parliament. He has, afterall, been passionate about the developments in the Malaysian education system. So, Tony, you've been voted in. Get cracking, will ya?

At around 10am this morning, I dutifully made my way to the polling station under the Titiwangsa Parliament seat constituency. It was pretty quiet but orderly. Most people knew what they had to do - find out their polling stream (room number), get to the room and cast their vote. The main grouse was that many of the rooms were located on the 2nd floor of the school and it caused many voters especially the elderly and not so thin citizens to lose their breath. There are so many rooms downstairs but I don't know why they had to put the rooms on the upper floors. Some of the voters were cursing as they made their way upstairs.

As I was walking up the stairs, I realised that the stairs were uneven in height between one step to another. Could this be a case of bad workmanship or close one eye? I don't know but I do know that this school is supposed to be a Sekolah Bestari whatever.

My vote has been cast and I can only await the decision in a couple of hours' time. I had made up my mind on whom to vote sometime back and the endless barrage of BN propaganda of late has made me all the more sure that my decision is correct. I did not bother to watch Pak Lah's TV interview yesterday as it is not worth my time. It wasn't worth my time because it is one-sided. And my decision was again correct because from the very little headlines that I see on papers this morning, the usual subtle threats were given. Vote for stability, not for chaos. My wife mentioned that this means - If BN lose, we will create chaos. Why would the non-BN parties create chaos if they won?

I'll be glued to the tv / internet this evening. God bless this nation called Malaysia!

So, the self-proclaimed rising star in UMNO has now got his own Laman Web Khairy at www rembau net. From one look, this web site looks very much like those of Obama's and Clinton's. According to Khairy, this web site is for him to tell the people what Khairy stands for and what his ideas are.

There is a streaming video in the site which shows Khairy rebutting Anwar Ibrahim's ceramah speech - on the Petronas petrol subsidy issue (hear what SEO expert Lilian has to say about the irritating streaming video on Laman Web Khairy). I was curious and I watched the video. Oh by the way, there is no way for you to turn it off. It comes on automatically. It's typical of shoving it in your face without giving you a chance to choose whether to watch and listen or not.

Now, please follow the following part of this post carefully.

The video takes a part of Anwar's ceramah about how he managed to maintain the price of petrol at RM1.10 per litre during his tenure as the Finance Minister from 1991 to 1998 and that after his tenure / sacking, the prices spiraled upwards till today at RM1.92 per litre - an increase of 82 cents.

In rebuttal, Khairy said that during those days, the price of crude oil was around USD 14 to USD20 per barrel and therefore, Anwar could afford to keep the prices of petrol low at RM1.10. Even a kid knows that - he says. However, the government could not afford to do so now because price of crude oil is now around USD100 per barrel. Therefore, we need to increase the price.

Initially, I was impressed with Khairy's eloquence but when I analysed his rebuttal, I realised something. Those days (Anwar's tenure), Petronas was selling crude oil between USD14 to USD20 per barrel and therefore, it makes a profit based on that price. Based on the "little" profit made from selling crude oil between USD14 to USD20 per barrel, Anwar kept the petrol price at RM1.10 per litre. Today, Petronas sells at USD100 per barrel and makes their profit from there. Does this mean then that the higher the price per barrel, the lesser the profit to Petronas and consequently, the higher the cost of petrol per litre? I am no mathematician and neither am I a financial analyst but surely, if the price per barrel has increased, likewise will be the profit and therefore, the price of petrol could still be kept at the lower price. If Anwar could keep the price of petrol at RM1.10 per litre when Petronas could only sell at USD20 per barrel at the max, why can't the price of petrol per litre be kept at RM1.10 when Petronas is now selling at USD100 per barrel?

Does it mean that even a small kid could figure things out better than me? Or is this meant to hoodwink the public with his oratory skills?

I just read an interview which Kenny Sia conducted with Alan Sim, the SUPP candidate who will be standing against Chong Chieng Jen of DAP, the incumbent for the Bandar Kuching Parliamentary seat. Initially, I read the interview with an interest because it is not everyday that a candidate from the BN coalition is willing to be interviewed and baring his all to scrutiny. For that, I must admit he had the guts, and even much more than people like Lim Si Pin, who despite having papa Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik as his guide and mentor, has brushed off a debate with Tian Chua.

So, anyway, back to Alan Sim. He's a lawyer. Well and good. Then he can shed a light or two based on his legal training on certain issues which are close to the people's heart. One of which is whether Malaysia is an Islamic State or Secular Nation. This is a short snippet of the interview:-

Kenny: Ok, another sensitive issue again. Once again, you're given the freedom to answer or not. Do you think Malaysia is an Islamic state, or a secular one?

Alan: To me, that question has always been argued and things like that but life still goes on as usual. The more important thing is that we still have freedom of religion. You can still be a Christian, I can still be a Buddhist. We should not be too bothered about the argument about whether Malaysia is still a secular or an Islamic state.

Kenny: But personally you won't make a comment about that?

Alan: I won't make a comment about it. I know Tun Dr Mahathir has made certain statements to the effect that Malaysia is in fact already an Islamic State. Also, the Opposition are harping on it. But whether Mahathir made that statement or not, has any changes taken place? Is there any effect? I don't really think so. It's still the same. I can still go to my temple, you can still go to your church. More important thing is that we still have the freedom of religion. And Sarawak I think is quite special in that freedom of religion is really felt here.

Wah lau eh! Freedom of religion need not be mentioned, my brother-in-law. It is already something which all citizens know and expect to be respected. It is nothing special. It is guaranteed by the Federal Constitution. The issue of late is the confusion about whether Malaysia is still a secular or an Islamic state. It is something which many are concerned (with good reasons) with and has caused an unseen rift between certain sections of the public. It is a matter of public interest and the answer is either a yes or a no. And to my dismay, he avoided the question altogether. Not only to this question but to other seemingly difficult questions which he declined to comment saying it's sensitive. Typical BN style, don't you think so?

Currently serving his second term as SUPP Youth Central Chairman since elected in 2002, a Councillor of Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan since 1999 and appointed Political Secretary to Chief Minister in June, 2004, I cannot imagine how he can contribute to debates in the Parliament on national issues when he can't even give a direct answer to a simple question. No wonder he was ridiculed by a majority of commenters including my scathing attack. We don't need another Chew Mei Fun in the Parliament. Whereas Chew Mei Fun is not a lawyer but she "thinks" we are a secular state, here we have a lawyer who dismisses the importance of the question put before him. State your stand and let the people decide whether they will vote you for the stand you are taking. By not making a state or opinion on something so fundamental, you have truly lost your credibility as someone who could champion for the rights of the people.

So, do you think Alan Sim will lose this elections? I verily believe so. Try again next time ;)

This is specially written to those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and is sitteth at the right hand of the Father and that the Father sent the Holy Spirit to them so that they may be guided in truth. Even if you are not a Christian but is one who has the fear of God and believes in the universal values of justice and fairness, I hope you will read on.

As the nation goes to the polls on Saturday the 8th March, 2008, let us be reminded again of the following:-

"Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you." (Deu 16:20) and "This is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed." (Isaiah 56:1)

The Lord calls all of us to pursue Justice and maintain Justice. For the rulers and those who govern, "The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." (2 Samuel 23:3). Further, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: You have gone far enough, O princes of Israel! Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing my people, declares the Sovereign LORD." (Ezekiel 45:9).

Ask yourselves these questions whether the last batch of leaders whom we have voted in the 2004 elections have performed their duties with Justice and Righteousness in mind. We must also evaluate whether the leaders spoke out for the injustices and oppression in our society or had kept quiet for fear of breaching Party's directions.

Are you convinced that our leadership had heeded the call to "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you." (Deut 16:18 - 20) Do you trust our legal system as being unperverted, fair, free of corruptions and favours in the light of the revelations from Lingam's case? Or perhaps you have direct experience of the failings of the legal system and its workings? Do you think that we should continue with our present practices of having the Chief Justice being nominated solely at the discretion of the Prime Minister or should there be a revamp where a competent panel of individuals nominate the rightful and deserving candidate? What do you think of the appointment of The Right Honourable Tan Sri Dato' Zaki bin Tun Azmi from legal practice (and previous UMNO legal adviser with various corporate links) directly to the apex Federal Court in September 2007 and within 2 months, elevated as the President of the Court of Appeal (2nd most senior member of the Judiciary)? Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.

Talking about bribery and corruption, are you aware of such practices in our country? If you are, do you think the past leaders whom we elected were serious in ridding our nation of this cancer which is threatening the integrity of our various systems? Are you willing to perpetuate this cancer of corruption which is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord by voting for leaders or parties who close one eye to such practices? "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." (Exodus 23:8) Think before you vote because the Lord makes each and every one of us accountable for our actions.

Do we see the poor and needy around us? "Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice." (Prov 31:9) Do you think that there are groups of Indians who are marginalised till they have no where to seek justice to help their plight? Or do you blame them for being lazy? Have you visited the low cost flats in town? What do you think about the fact that a government that cares builds low cost flats for squatters and thereafter, does nothing to help maintain the flats in a reasonable condition? If they can spend millions to send one man to space, why can't they spend an equal amount to give these flats a new coat of paint to cheer up their living environment or are these people supposed to fend for themselves? Have we got our priorities right?

Do you think that the civil servants have been treated fairly and justly? "Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven." (Colossians 4:1) Are government doctors and teachers given a pay commensurating with their work and contributions to society? How about the police, fire brigade, armed forces and the rest of those who put their lives at stake for all of us? Are they given a fair deal at all? Can we seriously hope to have an efficient and motivated civil workforce if they are paid peanuts whilst we build bridges and buildings which costs millions and open corridors worth billions?

Finally, but not the least as there are much much more you should consider, ask yourself whether you have been given an informed choice over who to vote for this coming General Elections. Have the media given equal coverage to all parties to have their say about what they stand for? Or has it been lopsided to no end? Do you find that you have to turn to the internet for alternative news because of that? Do you find that laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 have oft been used to advance the cause of the government in power or has the powers been exercised judiciously? The recent debacle on the use of the word "Allah" in the internal publication of "The Herald" is a case in point. Do you think that the Sedition Act was used primarily to shut the voice of those who oppose government policies rather than being used fairly against all who have run foul of the Act? Consider the speeches of some UMNO members such as "Ini negara Islam. You tak suka you keluar Malaysia" or the wielding of a Kris in a threatening manner to prove racial superiority as against the conviction of Lim Guan Eng under this Act for accusing the Attorney General of failing to properly handle a case where the Chief Minister of Malacca had been charged with statutory rape of a schoolgirl. Do you not think that the former has the tendency "to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Malaysia" as defined in Section 3(1)(e) of the Sedition Act? Do you think that the way forward for this country is to continue to subscribe and vote for parties which promotes and defends the rights of one race against other races as if we are three or more different races in our country in competition with one another and that there is no such thing as being a Malaysian and that our rights are not actually guaranteed by the Federal Constitution but need to be fought for and defended against?

Think before you vote, if at all you have made it a point to register yourself to vote. Vote with justice and righteousness in mind. Vote with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Vote for leaders who are God fearing and displays Godly character. Vote for the future of Malaysia.

There used to be a trend amongst supporters of opposition parties to vote as follows :- the Parliament seat goes to the Opposition party (non-BN) whilst the State seat goes to the BN candidate. The rationale is that the Opposition can create check and balance on national issues in Parliament whilst the BN must work for the benefit of the people in the state. Judging from the performances of State Governments (except Kelantan) over the past 4 years, I think this voting trend should stop. Malaysiakini reported today that split votes could give DAP the heartache.

I think people fail to realise that a State Assembly which is devoid of a strong opposition voice can also result in misuse of State funds and power. Have we forgotten about the questionable Silk Road tour by Selangor BN assemblymen, the lavish RM20 million Selangor exco village or how state agencies could owe a municipal council RM15 million in assessment arrears? And for those in Melaka, do you really need costly ugly artificial palm trees to decorate your city? We are one of the largest producers of palm oil in the world and yet we have to spend thousands of ringgit (if not millions) to erect artificial palm trees with gaudy lights to impress our visitors. Somebody must have made money somewhere. Without an effective group of Opposition state assemblymen, your tax money could also be spent for the benefit for a select few. Do you think that by voting in BN again for State Assemblies, your tax money would be better used for all?

Less we think that the only expenditure is at the national level, millions are also spent at the State level and most, if not all State Assemblies were under BN's absolute control or with 2/3 majority. In Pahang, there is only one lone voice from DAP. In Selangor, 2. Do you seriously think that if Penang falls to the alliance of DAP, PKR and PAS, it will stop its growth (if at all it was growing) and regress? Not likely. Penang is far too important to the nation due to its strategic location and industries for the Federal Government (which is likely to be BN) to be neglected. Think about it!